Critical Discovery Program: Successful Experience

Ruy M. Guimaraes^{* 1}, Thuane Silva¹, Cássia Souza²

¹Certification, CBR - Brazilian College of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, São Paulo, ²Certification, CBR - Brazilian College of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, SP, Brazil

Introduction: Critical test results are those that indicate a serious medical condition, requiring immediate medical intervention to prevent significant harm to the patient. Rapid and effective communication of these results is crucial to patient safety. Early identification of critical outcomes and rapid response help minimize harm and complications for the patient. The objective of this work is to understand the importance of implementing an efficient system for communicating critical results, minimizing damage and complications for the patient.

Methods: The present work is an experience report that was based on an integrative bibliographic review research, through websites such as Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Latin American Caribbean Literature in Sciences and Health (LILACS) and Virtual Library in Health (VHL), where 6 systematic review and data collection articles were selected, published over a period of 5 years, this period from 2019 to 2024.

Results: Understanding that effective communication is essential and is part of the patient safety program, it was institutionalized that information from exams with critical findings of patients admitted to the institution must be recorded directly in the electronic medical record, using the form intended for this purpose, so complete and accurate, and must be re-read by the receiver and confirmed by the individual reporting the result. Bedside imaging exams with critical findings carried out mainly in Intensive Care Units are carried out immediately with the doctor on duty and evidenced in the patient's medical record. For patients treated on an outpatient basis, critical findings are reported to the requesting physician. If this contact is not possible, the patient is referred to the institution's emergency room and from this moment on, clinical procedures will be planned or referenced.

Conclusion: It is concluded that the standardization of the recording of critical findings for both inpatients and outpatients has contributed positively to the conduct of safe care, minimizing the diversion of information and ensuring that patients are assisted in a timely manner.

References: PADI ACCREDITATION STANDARD - VERSION 5.1 – 2022 – 2026